by Mikel Kwaku Osei HoltI arrived at the rally for Derek Williams about 30 minutes into the program, but within minutes I realized I hadn’t really missed anything.Unfortunately, I’ve been to dozens of similar community forums following allegations of police brutality, governmental insensitivity or blatant acts of racism or bigotry. In just about each case they followed a similar script: speeches filled with outrage and indignation, calls for investigations and justice, and motivational appeals for unity and civic action.As best as I can remember, I’ve been to six or seven rallies that were sparked by the “questionable” deaths of a Black man (and one woman) by “Milwaukee’s Finest.”Each case sparked similar outrage, but from a historical perspective, aside from millions of dollars in damages and an occasional new law or policy change, nothing of great significance has changed.We can go back all the way to the Daniel Bell “murder” in 1958, which I covered as a reporter 20 years later when a guilt-ridden police officer confessed that Bell was indeed murdered and a weapon planted on him to cover up the crime.Some say similar police misconduct–and racism–was behind the killing of Clifford McKissick a decade later. There were a half dozen other questionable deaths and assaults between McKissick and Earnest Lacy in 1981, the vicious beating of Frank Jude in 2004 and now Williams, whose gruesome death while handcuffed in the back of a squad car was videotaped and shown to millions on the internet.Williams literally begged for police assistance, but his cries fell upon deaf ears. Originally, his death was ruled as being by natural causes. But the release, one year later, of the video prompted a reopening of the case and a determination that he was the victim of homicide. No police officers have been charged.From that perspective, Williams’ death follows a pattern that is all too familiar to Milwaukeeans.Indeed, I can remember only one other case during the past three decades in which local authorities have taken officers to task for misconduct and that was when former Chief of police Nan Haggerty fired or suspended nine officers after the horrendous, racially motivated beating of Jude by off-duty police officers.But for every Jude, there have been numerous allegations of misconduct or questionable deaths that have been ignored or down played.Remember the high profile alleged beating of Alphonzo and Khadijah Young?Little came out of it; and what attention it did receive came about only because former alderman Michael McGee took the bold step of holding demonstrations outside the Southside home of the police officer involved who claimed the ring print under Khadijah’s eye resulted from her ‘falling into his hand’ as she was being put in the squad car.I can provide a dozen other scenarios, but I’m sure you get my point, which isn’t just that Milwaukee has a history of racially charged actions by “some” members of the MPD against Black men, and women, but more so that they rarely result in any criminal charges or major policy changes. Moreover, the officers are usually protected by the system, and with very few exceptions, find sympathy or tacit support from the larger community.(As you probably heard, four officers were indicted by the Milwaukee County District Attorney Tuesday for sexual assault for their roles in illegal strip searches (rapes) of Black suspects. This action didn’t result from Black protests, even though two of the officers under investigation were on the scene when Williams died.)The inability of Black leaders and citizens to force systemic change on the police department after allegations of civil rights violations is not an indictment of the effectiveness of civil demonstrations or our political impotence. It does speak to, however, the entrenchment of a criminal “JUST-US” system that is reinforced by the unwillingness of the larger community to see through our prisms.It also speaks to a uniquely local culture that is unwavering in its efforts to maintain a status quo that perpetuates a division between the haves and have nots, minorities and the majority, the powerful and the powerless.That’s why it’s easy for me to predict what will happen in the Williams’ case. My assumptions are based on historical references (some of which have been noted in this column), political realities and an analysis of the local media which, after an initial empathy, settles back into a posture where they question the rationale of upsetting the applecart:• A federal investigation. It’ll happen, but that doesn’t mean it will result in criminal charges of the officers who ignored Williams’ death pleas if that is what protesters are after.• The resignation or firing of Police Chief Flynn. Highly unlikely, for several reasons, not the least important being his refusal to even consider it as a possibility, as he told Black “leaders” during a closed-door meeting.• For those keeping scorecards, the mayor supports Flynn, as does the majority of the Common Council, Fire and Police Commission, the police union and the city dogcatcher. Only one or two Black elected officials publicly support Flynn’s firing, although nearly all note systemic changes are needed.What is most revealing is that the general media, which has been at odds with Flynn over the last year, always follow a familiar pattern in which it initially empathize with Black outrage and anger, but eventually succumb to the least disruptive denominator, saying there needs to be policy changes, better training and sensitivity.Some media will balance the latest fiasco against the overall tenure of the chief, which even most critics admit has been above average. He has, after all, lowered the violent crime rate, instituted community policing and modernized the department, they will say, theorizing Flynn’s firing won’t change the culture of the department, and represents symbolism over substance.There is a grain of truth in that assessment, as we have seen a half dozen police chiefs since Harold Breier’s tyrannical rule was ended following the Lacy protest (the result of legislation by then State Senator Gary George that ended life time tenure for Milwaukee police chiefs), and yet these incidents continue to happen every two or three years.Nonetheless Black anger is justified and even the symbolism behind the demand for Flynn’s head has merit if for no other reason than to send a message to city hall and the police administration that community/police relations will continue to suffer if nothing changes. And whether folks downtown want to admit it or not, when Black folks don’t respect or otherwise fear police, community policing suffers and crime increases.• A work stoppage. Robin Shellow, the attorney for the Williams’ family, called for Black folks to show support for the Williams family and to simultaneous display their anger by not going to work on a specified day. There is as much chance of Black Milwaukeeans taking a day off to protest as there is of racist talk show host Mark Belling championing the call for reparations for slavery.• Reestablishing city, county and state human rights commissions. The county has already reestablished its entity, although its effectiveness is open to question. The city may follow suit if for no other reason than to placate Black protesters, but many consider these bodies to be noting more than powerless placeboes.• Restructuring the Fire and Police Commission. No way. Without support from the mayor (who is caught between a rock and a hard place) and the common council, that scenario is dead in the water.• Amending police policy? Truth is, you don’t have to, but they will concede to that point for the same reason they will support the establishment of a human rights commission.Truth is, there is already a state law that mandates that officers render medical assistance, and the commission can likewise suspend or fire officers for misconduct or neglect. As you may recall the commission used that authority in the Lacy death.• A lawsuit against the city and MPD and city. That’s going to happen, and I have no doubt millions of dollars will ultimately be awarded to Williams’ survivors. That’s a significant victory, but it won’t negate similar occurrence until and unless there is a cultural change in the department that deals with judgment and attitudes.As the indictment of four officers Tuesday, the insensitive and disrespectful decision to hold the mother of Darius Simmons ‘hostage’ for an hour as her 13 year old son lay dead in the street after being shot by an elderly White man and the initial ‘exoneration’ of the officers who let Williams die reveals, there is something wrong with the culture of the police department. And that starts at the top.Sheriff David Clarke, who was the only law enforcement official to show up at the Williams’ rally, noted his officers know he would not allow such mishaps to have taken place. He has laid down the law at the Sheriff’s department, he noted, and instituted a culture where officers are always respectful and mindful of their public responsibilities and whom they serve. Those who stray are shown the bottom of his cowboy boots.There is one strategy that has not gotten much traction but should be explored and embraced by Black leadership. Rev. Willie Brisco suggested the federal investigation be expanded to explore why Milwaukee is Milwaukee…as in the worst city in the United States for Black Americans (that’s the opinion of a national study, not my own).Why does Milwaukee lead the nation in seven negative social indicators, including black male unemployment, incarceration, Black academic underachievement, teen pregnancy, and infant mortality, not to mention poverty?Each of these indicators should be cause for concern and further examination. But combined, they beg for an outside investigation because our status borders on being criminal.Something is amiss and no local official is willing to even discuss it beyond the superficial, so maybe President Obama, the United Nations or the Avengers should step in to investigate.Is it apartheid? Coincidence? Or are Black people ourselves the blame?Is there something in the Milwaukee water that shortens Black life, makes us afraid of work, our children dumber than white children, our women and girls allergic to birth control and our boys and men lacking in self control?If we are not the blame, than what is?A thorough investigation of the culture, business and educational climate of Milwaukee would not only spark a template for change and reconstruction, but could possibly get to the root causes of the Williams tragedy, as well as those I guarantee will happen in the future.Hotep.

Politically active rapper and activist Jasiri X is not shy about speaking out about racism, police brutality, and a host of other issues that plague the Black and Latino community. The Pittsburgh native has also challenged the NYPD’s “Stop And Frisk” law and has previously taken aim at the Tea Party and other targets. His latest opus, “Do We Need To Start A Riot,” was sparked by a report that pointed to a chilling fact: 110 Black people have been killed by police officers, armed guards, and self-appointed law officials in 2012 alone, which breaks down to one every 36 hours.

The report, crafted by the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement (MXGM) for the No More Trayvon Martins Campaign, offered sobering highlights that illustrate police and authority figures have used excessive force to apprehend Blacks, with those 110 cases ending in death standing out.

Of the 110 cases, 47 of the “extrajudicial killings” involved unarmed individuals. Twenty four of the cases involved individuals with mental health issues or intoxication. MXGM researchers say that lack of training to handle such matters may have contributed to their deaths by authorities.

“Stop And Frisk”-style laws also played a factor, as 43 cases reported police saying that profiled suspects who looked suspicious were confronted and subsequently killed. Only 36 cases were killed in the course of police investigation of actual criminal activity.

Jasiri X filmed his video in New York City while participating in the “End Stop And Frisk” march in June. The video was directed by Paradise Gray (of X-Clan fame) and Radee Westfield. Activist/Comedian Dick Gregory makes a cameo in the clip as well.

Do you think that police and other law enforcement officials are abusing their power and lynching Black people?

As part of their police brutality series, NewsOne delves behind the Blue Line to speak with Officer Nicalle Edwards, a police officer with the DCHD Police Department in Dallas, Texas, to examine the intricacies of the law enforcement and Black civilian relationship. Here, her honest answers prove that Blue often trumps Black and that distrust — and anger — dwell on both sides of the badge.

NewsOne:What led you to law enforcement?

Officer Nicalle Edwards: Ah! The age-old question. The truth? My mother married a man who beat us and molested me. I vowed to never be a victim again. I want to save some child that can’t save his/herself. So yes, I became a cop to make a difference. It may be a cliche, but as the young people would say, “It’s real talk.”

NewsOne: Do you ever feel compelled to speak out about police brutality? If not, why not? If so, how?

Officer Edwards: Fortunately, I haven’t had to deal with any police brutality cases. It is not as prevalent as you might think. The few cases that I’ve seen from neighboring departments have been dealt with expeditiously. I hold myself and my fellow officers to a high standard, and I personally don’t have an issue with reporting behavior that is unbecoming of an officer.

NewsOne:Police brutality is something that is rampant in the Black community. It is a fact that there is a long history of it — maybe not in your department, but around the country. Are you suggesting that police brutality occurs primarily because of Black citizens, not the police?

Officer Edwards: I’m not saying for one minute that cops are not responsible for the negative stigma that surrounds us. Cops are ever evolving, just like the world. Cops are a reflection of its community. I can honestly say that times are changing…in a positive way. Police officers are required to get more education and citizens are also becoming more knowledgeable of the criminal justice system, which bridges the gap of ignorance.

NewsOne: How can the negative attitudes many police officers have toward Black people be changed?

Officer Edwards: The only way any racist’s attitudes will be changed is through education and experience. The state of Texas mandates that all police officers attend Cultural Diversity training at least once every training cycle. This class is supposed to teach racial sensitivity, but what it boils down to is upbringing. If you were raised to be a racist, all of the training in the world won’t help you.

NewsOne:What is the best way to deal with rogue cops?

Officer Edwards: The best way to deal with a dishonest officer is to obtain that officer’s badge number and department info, then make a report to his/her supervisor. If you feel like that officer’s actions were criminal, you may need to contact a lawyer or the District Attorney.

Now to play devil’s advocate, ask yourself this, “Did my actions warrant his/her response? Did I comply with the ‘legal’ commands of the office (for example: promptly produce identification, proof of insurance, etc.)?”

NewsOne:Are there any ways we can learn to possibly diffuse combative situations when they happen (between law enforcement and civilians)?

Officer Edwards: When approached by a law enforcement official, remain professional at all times. In most cases, your behavior determines the outcome of an encounter. When responding to a call, the attitude of a suspect sets the tone of the exchange.

Let me give you an example: You are speeding (20 miles over the limit). I stop you and approach the vehicle. You roll down the window. I introduce myself, tell you why you were stopped, and ask for your driver’s license and proof of insurance.

You respond by promptly producing said documents. I ask where you are going and you explain that you are running late for work — all the while remaining polite.

After running a check of your criminal history and current warrants, it is determined that you have an outstanding warrant for a traffic citation in a nearby city. Because you were civil and polite, I’d use officer’s discretion and give you a warning and not arrest you for your outstanding warrant.

This would be an ideal call.

Now let’s say I approached your car and you jumped out cursing, because you are pissed that you were stopped.

This call is going to go very differently.

Depending on your actions, you may be maced or tasered. You are definitely going to jail on that warrant and you may have some new charges. Your car will be towed and your day will be spent in intake, instead of work.

The truth of the matter is that most violent encounters with the police take place because suspects become belligerent, combative, and uncooperative.

The media has a funny way of highlighting the officer’s response: omitting the incidents that led up to the suspect being subdued. This is a big reason the community fears the police.

NewsOne: What can residents do to empower themselves against negative officers in their community?

Officer Edwards: Become active in the community, attend your town hall meetings, vote for your leaders, become familiar with the officers that patrol your neighborhoods, report inappropriate conduct, and be visible.

NewsOne: Do some police officers feel they are above the law?

Officer Edwards: Again, I can only speak for what I’ve seen…I have never seen an officer who thought that he/she was above the law. The state of Texas has a way of reminding us that “you too will go to jail.” If you are an officer who breaks the law, justice is just as swift.

Period.

NewsOne:Are you ever afraid when doing your job because of the reputation that police officers have?

Officer Edwards: I am forever mindful that I live in a bubble, because of my chosen profession. I’m okay with that. I try my best to practice what I preach. I live by the laws that I enforce. In saying that, I realize that I’m a rarity. I perform my duties as if I am on camera, always aware of my audience. I have been in Internal Affairs more times than I can remember, but each time I’ve escaped unscathed, because I remain professional. I am not “all cops” and I refuse to be burdened with negative perceptions. Like I always say, You hate the police, until you need the police.

NewsOne:Being a Black woman, do you feel any conflicting emotions when looking at the police brutality that runs rampant in Black communities?

Officer Edwards: As I said before, I haven’t experienced police brutality in any community. I have, however, experienced brutality from the community. I have been kicked, hit, punched, scratched, bit, and spit on…by the community.

I have even been shot at, on several occasions, just because of the uniform that I wear. I can recall being asked to work an off-duty job at an apartment complex that had been taken over by the city because of its high-crime rate and the number of 911 calls.

When I arrived, I stepped out of my personal vehicle and stood beside two fellow Black officers. About 30 seconds later, we heard gunshots. The Black community that we’re there to serve and protect, was trying to kill us. Talk about police brutality. The Black community didn’t care that we were Black or that I was a woman.

On Sunday night, three Dallas PD officers were shot at in a drive-by while attempting to break up a fight outside of a night club. They were trying to keep the peace and the community was not having that.

A few months ago, one of my friends was driving home from work in his personal vehicle, and someone shot at him on the freeway. They left a hole in his rear glass, but thank God, not in his head.

This is what I think of when you speak of police brutality. My job is dangerous and most Black people couldn’t care less about me… until they need me.

I’ve been in law enforcement for 11 years total. I’ve been a police officer for 5 years. You have no idea the weight of the badge. Yes, you have those who abuse their authority, but you have those who go to war on these streets every day, but we get overshadowed by the jackass that hit Suspect one too many times.

NewsOne:Historically, the Black community has been unable to trust the legal system or those sworn to protect it. You mentioned what civilians should do, what can officers to do foster healthier relationships with the Black community?

Officer Edwards: Community policing is something that we as law enforcement officials have implemented over the years. Community policings, in essence, is a collaboration between the police and the community [and the community] identifies and solves community problems.

With the police no longer the sole guardians of law and order, all members of the community become active allies in the effort to enhance the safety and quality of neighborhoods. The expanded outlook on crime control and prevention, the new emphasis on making community members active participants in the process of problem solving, and the patrol officers’ pivotal role in community policing require profound changes within the police organization. The neighborhood patrol officer, backed by the police organization, helps community members mobilize support and resources to solve problems and enhance their quality of life. Community members voice their concerns, contribute advice, and take action to address these concerns. Thus, building great relations between the community and police.

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While Officer Edwards offers insight in to the inner-workings of law enforcement as it should be, there is little acknowledgement of law enforcement in the Black community as it is, showing that the same race does not indicate kinship between civilians and police.

Clearly, we need to be able to empower ourselves against forces that are empowered and given license to kill us.

Check back with NewsOne as we present a call-to-action designed to combat the violence in our communities. Violence that comes from both in front of and behind the Blue Line.

We are troubled by the recent Journal Sentinel investigation [1] describing the misreporting of hundreds of assault cases by the Milwaukee Police Department, especially the cases involving children. Although we understand that this misreporting of crime data has no impact on how criminal suspects are prosecuted, there is no question that the integrity of the reported crime data is an important matter of public concern. Crime reduction has been one of Milwaukee’s signature achievements of the last decade. Under Chief Flynn’s leadership, crime as reported to the FBI has continually gone down since 2007. When crime numbers are released, the decreases are usually awarded a prominent headline in the city and state’s largest paper. [2] Such repeated broadcasting of crime statistics not only drives public perception of city safety, but also provides a key rationale for the public acceptance of such otherwise unacceptable police tactical impacts as longer police response times [3], steep racial disparities in traffic stops [4], and recently-disclosed practice of unlawful body searches.

We are eager to have the crime reductions reported by the MPD over the last five years confirmed. The MPD has made credible arguments in regards to human error and the fact that classification of crimes will involve some judgment calls on which reasonable people can disagree. Nobody can realistically expect such statistics to be 100% accurate 100% of the time. We respect and appreciate the hard work and dedication that Milwaukee police officers give to their jobs.

That said, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has raised legitimate questions as to how the MPD is classifying data. This is why we appreciate that the results of a recent FBI audit will soon be publicly available. If this audit were to leave questions unanswered, MPD and city leaders should insist on a full independent audit to verify Milwaukee’s past crime reductions.

In defending its data reporting, the MPD has asked what the standard is in regards to crime coding errors. In making this case, Chief Flynn has referenced [5] other major cities that have had issues with crime data. While there is no clear standard for error rates, we know that every city has an incentive to report a drop in crime. Reports of crime reductions may provide a short-term boost to city morale and perhaps even economic activity, but such boosts are illusory if based on false pretense. It is only the actual, sustainable, real-life crime reductions that create lasting and undeniable benefit for our city It is important that the reported numbers reflect reality. We cannot chart a proper path to a stronger city unless we first have an accurate and realistic reporting of data.

The question of what error rate is acceptable is the wrong question. The appropriate question is: what must be done to ensure that Milwaukee’s crime statistics are accurate. Going forward, the answer is a regularly scheduled independent audit of MPD’s crime data that removes any doubt as to the accuracy of the numbers. In this regard Milwaukee has an opportunity to be a municipal leader in transparency and accountability, showing cities like Philadelphia and Memphis [6] what good government can look like.

It is shameful this episode has been used by some as yet another opportunity to bash Wisconsin’s largest city. Milwaukee is the economic, social, and cultural driver of our state. Like other major U.S cities, we have both incredible assets and complex challenges. This situation presents an opportunity for our city to stand up and proclaim that we have challenges to resolve and the assets and fortitude necessary to resolve them. Confirming our success in reducing crime and bolstering our government’s transparency qualify as good first steps.